Student gets kick out of nationals

January 30, 2009

A real kick. Jake Robinson recently finished second in the age 8-9 boys category nationally in the NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass and Kick competition. Jake is a fourth-grader at Mary Frank School and the son of the Staci and Jim Robinson, of Granger. Jake competed at Mary Frank, Mishawaka and Indianapolis. The finals were in Charlotte, N.C., on Jan. 10. He punted 50 feet, passed 70 feet, 1 inch, and kicked 51 feet 3 inches for a total of 171 feet and 4 inches. Not bad. As we know, there are college teams that always need placekickers. His physical education teacher, Sandy Kugle, said he is "very unassuming boy who doesn't have a super competitive personality." Mom Staci added that he is focused when it comes to sports. "He plays football, basketball and baseball. He gave up soccer. And his favorite sport is the one he is playing at the time." Jake said it was "awesome" and he had a great time going on the field at Indy and Charlotte. *** A week to remember for everyone. Susan Soisson, of South Bend, teaches at the University of Notre Dame's College of Business and is a member of the Army Reserves. She applied and was chosen to help plan the Obama inaugural parade and coordinate the floats. "It was probably the most fun assignment I have ever had personally," she said. Because of the assignment, her husband, Tom, their four children, Allie, Adam, Claire and Elyse, flew out there and participated in the National Day of Service. Allie and two friends from home, Deanna Kolberg and Cierra Strawder, handed out formal wear to the soldiers who were invited to the Commander and Chief's Ball. Elyse made brownies for the other parade participants and Claire made a movie about the path of the parade. Adam and Tom helped with the Culver Academies horses. Susan also marched with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts float. "If any of the kids decided they had enough (because of the cold and the length of time in the parade) it would have been my job to take care of them. It was called straggler control." The Culver horses and riders were an amazing sight. "They made me proud to be a transplanted Hoosier," Susan said. *** By the way, the new Miss America, Katie Stam, is from Seymour, Ind. However, she participated in the Duneland pageant in Michigan City. So Michigan City has a new claim to fame. If you have news about people or an interesting tidbit, send it to metrocommunity@sbtinfo.com or phone (574) 235-6233.Kathy Borlik Namely News Kathy Borlik writes this weekly column about people.